Advocacy

AMO develops a variety of advocacy positions on all matters that impact Ontario’s municipalities. These positions are in the form of backgrounders, policy updates, reports and submissions and more to inform our membership of current issues affecting the municipal sector.

On the left navigation menu, you will find current policy issues we are working on now. Read our Strategic Objectives, Member Updates and Backgrounders to find out what other initiatives we are working on.

Recent Advocacy

Canabis Retail Consultation to Start Soon
AMO has supported private cannabis retail approach to create jobs and income locally in our communities. We called for a strong municipal voice through local zoning and licensing of both supply and retail of recreational cannabis so they are located and operated in a way that respects communities’ needs.

Ontario Government’s Speech from the Throne
At Queen’s Park, the Lieutenant Governor, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, read the Speech from the Throne speech outlining the Progressive Conservative government’s legislative objectives. The new provincial government is seeking to deliver quickly on key actions discussed during the campaign.

New Ontario Government Takes Office
Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell has sworn in Premier Doug Ford and his new Cabinet at Queen’s Park. AMO President Lynn Dollin sent a congratulatory letter to Premier Ford and discussions with the incoming government have started. Letters to Cabinet Ministers will also be sent highlighting issues that touch municipal governments in either a policy, regulatory, or program manner.

AMO Stands with Canada and Ontario on NAFTA
Changes to NAFTA could have major repercussions on the prosperity of Canada’s local, regional and national economies. In passing this resolution AMO, and municipal governments across Ontario, are sending a strong message that municipal leaders stand with and support our provincial and federal governments in ensuring fairness and prosperity for Canadians.

Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement Signed for the National Housing Strategy
AMO welcomes today’s news that the federal and provincial governments signed a bilateral agreement to implement the National Housing Strategy in Ontario. An overarching national strategy with an Ontario agreement presents the opportunity for all orders of government to proactively work towards supporting Ontarians to meet their immediate needs and future housing hopes.

Guidance on Traditional Land Acknowledgement Statements
This resource was developed by AMO’s recently created Indigenous Relations Task Force. Members have requested supports on creating a traditional land acknowledgement statement for their municipal government. The intention of this resource is therefore to provide guidance to interested municipal governments on how to draft a statement for their jurisdiction.

Cannabis Implementation – Municipal Funding Announcements
In the short term, this funding will help pay municipal costs and this is critically important. Keeping municipal governments whole is our goal. As well, AMO’s Board believes there is a future case to be made for this new federal and provincial revenue source to support broader community benefits.

Province Broadens Municipal Investment Powers
AMO, through Local Authority Services (LAS) and its ONE Investment program, has been advocating for prudent investor standard for a long time. It is in keeping with ONE’s 25-year track record of providing turnkey investment solutions for municipal governments, whether to help fund capital projects or build up reserve accounts.